Dorji Choden
The country’s crime rate declined by 8.5 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP).
With 2,153 criminal cases reported last year, it saw a decrease of 199 cases from the 2,352 in 2023.
The most common offences reported were substance abuse, battery, domestic violence, larceny, and illegal trafficking of Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS), and cannabis.
There was a decline of 161 cases related to NDPS offences, while non-drug related crimes saw a decrease by 199 cases.
Last year, 1,512 cases were reported for substance abuse, a decrease of 59 cases from the previous year.
The number of battery incidents saw a slight increase, rising from 491 in 2023 to 519 in 2024.
Similarly, domestic violence cases also increased, from 415 to 428 last year.
Conversely, larceny cases dropped to 259 cases from 287 in the previous year. Meanwhile, incidents of illicit trafficking involving NDPS and cannabis fell from 322 to 243 last year.
Among the police stations, Thimphu recorded the highest number of cases last year with 692, lower than the 709 cases reported in the previous year. Phuentsholing saw the second highest with 263 cases, a drop of 400 cases in 2023.
However, Gelephu saw an increase, with 236 cases last year compared to the 164 cases reported in the previous year.
While there was an overall decrease in criminal offences, some areas saw an increase in reported cases.
The Deputy Chief of Police (DCoP) for the Department of Crime and Operations, Colonel Passang Dorji, stated that the rise in some criminal cases was partly due to increased awareness efforts.
“In the past, people were hesitant to report domestic violence and battery. But now, with joint sensitisation efforts, more people are coming forward. With strict monitoring, there is a rise in crime rates in some regions as well,” he added.
The RBP, in collaboration with The PEMA Secretariat, the National Commission for Women and Children, and Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women, initiated the joint sensitisation programme in Gelephu in 2023.
Colonel Passang Dorji also said that the overall crime rate is gradually declining due to extensive awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities across all 20 dzongkhags. “As we engage with the public, more people, especially children, are becoming more aware and understanding these issues,” he added.
[[{“value”:”The country’s crime rate declined by 8.5 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP).
With 2,153 criminal cases reported last year, it saw a decrease of 199 cases from the 2,352 in 2023.
The most common offences reported were substance abuse, battery, domestic violence, larceny, and illegal trafficking of Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS), and cannabis.”}]] Read More
